September 15, 2023

Overview for this week.

1. It's Rosh Hashana and we wish everyone celebrating a good and sweet year, Shana Tova Umetuka.

2. Then we look at s few places to get away and recharge your spirit.

3. Dr. Fox is getting ready to start offering online classes beginning later this month. We'll let you know when they are available.

4. It was a horrible week in Morocco with a massive earthquake, please keep them in your prayers.

5. Libya also suffered a devastating natural disaster this week with catastrophic flooding form Cyclone Daniel. We pray for those in Libya too.

6. In our series on disaster preparedness we look at things you can do before during and after an earthquake to help minimize your risk.

7. We pay a visit to the wild ponies of Assateague Island National Seashore.

8. Hawaii's Kilauea volcano is erupting again after a short period of quiet, we fill you in on the latest. 

9. We introduce you to a tuly phenomenal athlete, businesswoman, and mom in The Next Gen.

10. In Wellness we show you twelve leafy green vegetables that you can plant in your garden this month.

11. In the Book Corner we look at two titles that focus on the special bond between people and horses.

12. The Flock is happy to join in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.

13. This Saturday, September 16th is Mexican Independence Day.

14. In Performing Arts, the Danish Chamber Orchestra has gone to the Dogs.

15. This week we check in with our favorite mouser Fern in the pet's corner

Now, to this weeks Flock.

Rosh Hashana is the celebration of the Jewish New Year and for 2013 it starts today, Friday, September 15th at sundown and continues until sundown on Sunday, September 17th. Rosh Hashana begins a ten-day period of penitence that culminates on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism.

From: Akron Beacon Journal, By: Chad Murphy, September 13, 2023

Meaning “head of the year” or “first of the year,” Rosh Hashanah -- the Jewish new year -- marks the creation of the world. It also marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days leading up to Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement. 

These are moments where we come together as a community, where we take time to think about ourselves as individuals, but also think about the ways that we can help others, Think about the ways that we want to create a safe community, a welcoming community, a warm community and then be able to enrich the world around us after having those moments of introspection.

— Rabbi Rob Gleisser, the Peter J. Rubinstein reform senior Jewish educator at

Penn State Hillel

Sometimes you need to get away and recharge yourself mentally, physically and spiritually. These are some of my favorite places to do just that. Whether it's taking a dip in a natural hot spring surrounded by the rustic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, or yoga in the Sonoran Desert, or an Asian inspired luxury weekend of exercise, fine dining and message. Each of these destinations is sure to recharge your batteries.

Avalanche Ranch is best described as a Rocky Mountain Picture Post Card in the Heart of Colorado. This pastoral setting offers the beauty and peace of an earlier era. Situated at 7000 feet, overlooking the Crystal River, with Mt. Sopris towering above at 12,953′, the views are more dramatic than you can imagine.

Reconnect and reinvigorate your senses in a place of incredible natural beauty, with personalized wellness experiences, and award-winning hospitality.

Rejuvenating classes for your mind and body. 30 miles of private hiking trails, personal training, farm-to-table meals, and a massage each day. But the most incredible luxury you’ll experience is finding your way back to you.

Dr. Fox will be offering a series of online classes beginning this month. Every class will have a teaching, a discussion, and a guided meditation. You will receive a written synopsis of the teaching and a recording of the guided meditation to practice between classes.

To receive up-to-date class schedule and registration information, sign up to Dr. Fox's mailing list at the Institute of Personal and Transpersonal Knowledge.

4. MOROCCO EARTHQUAKE: Marrakech Hit by Earthquake

It was a horrible week in Morocco. An unexpected earthquake sent thousands fleeing in the area around Marrakech. Please keep the people of Morocco in your prayers.

From: CNN, By: Amarachi Orie and Rob Picheta, September 11, 2023

Rescuers are searching through rubble and trying to reach isolated communities after a devastating earthquake struck Morocco, killing thousands and leaving more injured or unaccounted for.

The quake is the strongest to hit the nation’s center in more than a century, and its epicenter was not far from popular tourist and economic hub Marrakech. At least 2,862 people have been killed in the disaster and 2,562 have been injured, state media said on Monday.

5. LIBYA FLOODING: Cyclone Daniel Causes Devastating Flooding

Extremely heavy rains from the Mediterranean cyclone Daniel caused catastrophic flooding in eastern Libya bursting dams and devastating the coastal city of Derna. The Flock will keep the people of Derna in our thoughts and prayers as they attempt to recover from this disaster.

From: Associated Press, September 14, 2023

The death toll in Libya’s coastal city of Derna has soared to 11,300 as search efforts continue following a massive flood fed by the breaching of two dams in heavy rains, the Libyan Red Crescent said Thursday.

Marie el-Drese, the aid group’s secretary-general, told The Associated Press by phone that a further 10,100 people are reported missing in the Mediterranean city. Health authorities previously put the death toll in Derna at 5,500. The storm also killed about 170 people elsewhere in the country.

The flooding swept away entire families in Derna on Sunday night and exposed vulnerabilities in the oil-rich country that has been mired in conflict since a 2011 uprising that toppled long-ruling dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

Drone video captures scale of catastrophic Libya flooding



6. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Earthquakes

From: Ready.gov

An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. While they can happen anywhere without warning, areas at higher risk for earthquakes include Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington and the entire Mississippi River Valley.

• Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On with family and coworkers.
• Make an Emergency Plan: Create a family emergency communications plan that has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated. Make a supply kit that includes enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistle.
• Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
• Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, make essential purchases and slowly build up supplies.
• Protect Your Home: Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
• Consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse during an earthquake.

• Consider obtaining an earthquake insurance policy. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.

• If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
• If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
• If you are outdoors, stay outdoors away from buildings.
• If you are inside, stay and do not run outside and avoid doorways.

1. Drop (or Lock)

Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.

2. Cover

Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris. Stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital organs.

3. Hold On

If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves. If seated and unable to drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms and hold on to your neck with both hands.

Stay Safe After

There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines.

• Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.
• If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building. Do not enter damaged buildings.
• If you are trapped, send a text or bang on a pipe or wall. Cover your mouth with your shirt for protection and instead of shouting, use a whistle.
• If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops. Avoid contact with floodwaters as they can contain chemicals, sewage, and debris.
• Check yourself to see if you are hurt and help others if you have training. Learn how to be the help until help arrives.
• If you are sick or injured and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for instructions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

7. NATIONAL PARKS: Assateague Island National Seashore

Just a short drive south of the bustling boardwalk of the popular Maryland summer vacation destination Ocean City takes you into a completely different world. A quiet and pristine barrier island on the Atlantic coast where wild ponies roam the beaches and wade in the ocean alongside campers and beachgoers. The horse population on the island is managed by the National Park Service and there is a yearly round up and auction to cull the heard.

From: National Park Service

Assateague's wild horses are well known, even to many people who have never been to the island. The "wild" horses on Assateague are actually feral animals, meaning that they are descendants of domestic animals that have reverted to a wild state. Horses tough enough to survive the scorching heat, abundant mosquitoes, stormy weather and poor quality food found on this remote, windswept barrier island have formed a unique wild horse society.

Many people first learn about the Assateague horses from Marguerite Henry's famous book Misty of Chincoteague. The story takes place during a traditional Chincoteague festival called "Pony Penning.'' On the last Wednesday of July, the Virginia herd of horses is rounded up and swum from Assateague Island to nearby Chincoteague Island. On the following day most of the young foals are auctioned off. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department.

Watch Famous Ponies Swim in Chincoteague Island Tradition

8. VOLCANOES: Kilauea Erupts Again

From: CNN, By: Melissa Alonso, September 11, 2023

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano began erupting again after nearly three months of quiet, with glowing lava flows bursting within one of its craters Sunday, according to the US Geological Survey.

The eruption started around 3:15 p.m. local time in Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kilauea’s summit caldera at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, according to USGS. Kilauea is the youngest and most active volcano on the island, with several summit eruptions since 2020.

Kilauea Volcano Eruption Update, New Summit Lava Mapped

9. THE NEXT GEN: Jackie Vasquez-Lapan

This week we'd like to introduce you to Jackie Vasquez-Lapan. Jackie is from Tucson and spent her college years at Arizona State University in Tempe where she was an All-American stand out member of the Sun Devils' softball team. Jackie helped the team win the 2008 Women's College World Series and made the all-tournament team for her play. Jackie Maintained a 3.65 GPA at Arizona State earning her the title of Paxc-12 softball Scholar-Athlete of the Year. After graduating, Jackie continued to pursue her interest in athletics Completing four marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2017. Having dual citizenship, she later tried out for and made the Mexico women's national softball team. Jackie is now the mother of two. Instead of looking back at all of her accomplishments, she looks forward as the CEO of the Lapan Sunshine Foundation, a non-profit that provides support to students seeking academic and professional success. It is what mothers do: they become champions, they have babies, and they do it all.

10. WELLNESS: Leafy Greens You Can Plant in September

Fall is a good time to plant nutrient-packed leafy greens in your garden. The editors at AZ Animals have put together a list of twelve leafy green vegetables from Arugula to Swiss Chard that you can plant no to enjoy throughout the coming months.

From: AZ Animals, By: Heather hall, September 13, 2023

September marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. There are many leafy greens you can plant in September, but there are also certain garden chores that must be done in order to ensure a healthy garden come spring.

11. BOOK CORNER: The Bond Between Man and Horse

In this week's Book Corner, we are presenting two titles that focus on the special bond between people and horses.

Raised on a ranch in northern California, Jody is well-schooled in the hard work and demands of a rancher's life. He is used to the way of horses, too; but nothing has prepared him for the special connection he will forge with Gabilan, the hot-tempered pony his father gives him. With Billy Buck, the hired hand, Jody tends and trains his horse, restlessly anticipating the moment he will sit high upon Gabilan's saddle. But when Gabilan falls ill, Jody discovers there are still lessons he must learn about the ways of nature and, particularly, the ways of man.

Misty of Chincoteague

By Marguerite Henry

Illustrated by Wesley Dennis

On the island of Chincoteague, off the coasts of Virginia and Maryland, lives a centuries-old band of wild ponies. Among them is the most mysterious of all, Phantom, a rarely-seen mare that eludes all efforts to capture her—that is, until a young boy and girl lay eyes on her and determine that they can’t live without her.

12. National Hispanic Heritage Month: MiParque, Mi Historia

The Flock is happy to join in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.

From: hispanicheritagemonth.gov

National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. During this month and throughout the year, the National Park Service and our partners, share history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present.

13. HOLIDAYS: Mexican Independence Day

This Saturday, September 16th, Mexico celebrates its independence. On this date in 1810, a Catholic priest, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, in the town of Dolores rang his church's bell and delivered a speech known as the Grio de Dolores demanding the end of Spanish rule and setting off a decade long struggle for independence. To this day, the same bell is rung every September 16th in celebration of Mexican independence.

From: National Today

Mexico is the best place to be on September 16th, Mexican Independence Day. This fiesta-friendly holiday celebrates Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810, and it’s filled with national pride, colorful parades, mariachi concerts, and food, food, and more Sabrosa food.

People of Mexican heritage all over the world commemorate this important event in their country’s history when a brave priest in the village of Dolores rang his church bell and delivered a powerful speech that set the War of Independence from Spain in motion. Even the President of Mexico participates by ringing that same bell — now over 200 years old — live on TV the night before the big celebration.

14. PERFORMING ARTS: Dogs at the Symphony

Three dogs, Cookie, Sophus and Sica, have been chosen for their barking skills to join the Daniah Chamber Orchestra at the recent Haydn festival to "perform" Mozart's Hunting Symphony" along with the orchestra.

From: BBC News, September 4, 2023

A classical music festival in Copenhagen, Denmark, has opened with some canine additions to the orchestra.

Chief conductor Adam Fischer - who auditioned dozens of dogs for the role - said he was honouring the composer's wish that a part of the symphony should be accompanied by baying hounds.

Cookie, Sophus and Sica were chosen for their barking skills, and went through three months of training: not only to bark on command, but to remain quiet for the rest of the performance.

15. PET'S CORNER: A Visit with Fern

We're checking in on Fern again. She's out on patrol mousing in the yard this week.

Maybe there’s some mice over here.

Nope, nothing yet.

photo: Sarah Smallhouse

Don't Be Shy: Share Your Stories!

I'm looking forward to sharing more of your personal stories - oral, written, or otherwise, as we enter our second year. I'd so love to present them to The Flock, hit a mailbox below to share your story.

Holualoa Ed Fit Wellness & Culture 2

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